Temporal artery thermometer measures newborn body temperature more precisely

Measuring the body temperatures of newborns with temporal artery thermometry is as accurate as using rectal thermometers, according to a cross-sectional study recently published in Paediatrica Indonesiana.  Quick, safe and accurate thermometry methods are necessary when measuring neonate temperatures.

Data were collected from June-July 2008 at the Sanglah Hospital within the Neonatology Division of the Department of Child Health Medical School at Udayana University.  Readings were taken from infants aged 24 hours and older who encompassed the appropriate weight and were not affected by trauma.  One physician measured the temperatures of 134 newborns with three types of measurement: temporal artery, axillary and rectal.  The Exergen TAT-5000 model for temporal artery thermometry was compared to traditional measurement of axillary and rectal thermometers to "assess if the tested thermometers could be used interchangeably with the reference thermometer." The rectal thermometer (RT) was used as the reference thermometer.

The results of the study found a strong correlation between temporal artery and rectal thermometers:  "if the difference of less than or equal to 0.5 degrees C between methods of temperature measurement is being considered not significantly important for the clinical decision, TAT can be used with RT interchangeable."  The cross-sectional analysis also confirmed that temporal thermometry produces more precise readings than the axillary, or underarm, method.

"We developed the temporal artery thermometer in response to the need for measuring infants' temperatures in a noninvasive, safe and quick manner," said Francesco Pompei, Ph.D., CEO of Exergen Corporation.  "This study shows Exergen's TAT-5000 TemporalScanner can be used in place of rectal thermometers."